ABSTRACT
Kazakhstan’s inherited intellectual tradition as an adaptation of the Eurasian ideology of the colonial period is a glorified chapter in Kazakh history. The other part is about forgotten links in the Kazakh steppe and allegiance of minor allies in the Kazakh union about whom much less has been spoken about till date. Kazakhstan’s adjustments with China and Kyrgyzstan over water-sharing issues have attracted a lot of global attention. Such assessments reflect Kazakhstan’s ability to balance her Central Asian partners. A related question that comes to mind is the people’s response. Al Farabi Kazakh National University under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan is an oriental showpiece in terms of scientific investigation and academic collaboration. The various departments of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the University and departmental publications provide useful insights into Kazakhstan’s oriental set-up since the Soviet period.
